Liz is of Russian/Israeli descent and at 18 years old moved to the U.S. where she began her tattoo career.
She enjoys black and gray illustrative tattooing and currently resides in New York.
- How did you get started and what inspired you to become a tattoo artist?
I was always fascinated by tattooing since rather a young age. My dad has tattoos so it was always a part of my world. And as I grew up and started to get tattoos I quickly realized that there weren’t a lot of good artists around at the time.
So I said, I can do this so much better. I need to start tattooing. I was in art school at the time. But then a few years later, when I got the chance I went to the nearest studio I could find and asked to be an apprentice. They accepted me and so it began.
- What are your main sources of inspiration and how would you describe your aesthetics?
I get inspired by nature a lot. Its the best creator. That, of course, can be anything, from flowers to skulls…
I also like anything mystical and magical…creatures and such…I really like Art-deco and illustration art as well.
As per aesthetics, I gravitate to clean lines and shapes that flow with the body. I’m definitely into the line of beauty.
- What’s been your favorite moment in your career, so far?
All of it. The lifestyle, the people I meet on a daily basis, the other wonderful artists I work with. All of it, I love it.
- What do you like to do when you’re not tattooing?
I love to travel and spend time in nature as much as possible. Definitely swimming, diving, and all other beach and ocean activities. The ocean is my true love.
- What advice can you give to tattoo artists who are just starting out?
Practice makes perfect. Draw a lot, ask questions. Be patient.
- In the old days, tattooing used to be regarded like a sub-cultural activity, but now with all the social media apps it seems to be more main-stream. What are your thoughts about that?
Interesting question…With all the exposure, tattooing almost lost that intimacy and sacredness that it’s supposed to be about, among other things.
But the good thing is that people are more accepting of tattoos now and don’t judge others based on whether or not the person is tattooed. At least I hope it helped with that. Also, it’s good that it educates people on what good quality tattoos are.
- A few tips on tattoo aftercare?
Keep it clean. Moisturize it correctly. Be careful when you sleep or work out with a fresh tattoo and don’t touch it too much.
- What are your thoughts regarding tattoo trends like watercolor tattoos, embroidery tattoos, etc.? We as tattoo aficionados, when we’re thinking about getting a new tattoo, should we follow the trends or should we stick to the established ones?
Well, trends are trends, they come and go. But there’s still nothing bad about it. Especially, if you’re a collector, why not?! Although in my opinion for people that are heavily covered it’s better to stick to one style overall.
But for a person who doesn’t have a lot of tattoos, ask yourself if you would still like to have it in 20, 30, 40 years. There is a reason why some subjects and styles are classic.
- Talking about the tattoo industry, what would you like to see done differently in the future compared to now?
It’s already changed so much since I started; I like the strides so far.
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